Introduction
Cleaning our homes generates a lot of waste from single-use products and packaging. As someone who cares about the environment, I’m always looking for ways to reduce the waste I create while keeping my home clean. In this article, I’ll share the best reusable options I’ve discovered for reducing waste when cleaning.
Reusable Microfiber Cloths and Rags
One of the easiest swaps is using reusable microfiber cloths and rags instead of paper towels. Microfiber cloths are extremely effective at cleaning and can be washed and reused hundreds of times. I use microfiber cloths for:
- Wiping down counters
- Cleaning mirrors and glass
- Dusting furniture
- Cleaning the bathroom
- Mopping floors
I also cut up old t-shirts and towels to make reusable rags. These come in handy for cleaning jobs that require a little extra scrubbing power.
The best part is microfiber cloths and rags generate no waste! Just throw them in the laundry when they get dirty. This simple swap has allowed me to stop buying paper towels entirely.
Reusable Spray Bottles
Another major source of waste is all the plastic spray bottle packaging that cleaning products come in. Here are some reusable options:
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Glass spray bottles – I’ve accumulated a collection of glass spray bottles that I fill up with DIY cleaning solutions. Glass bottles last forever and can be reused endlessly.
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Stainless steel bottles – For cleaning projects when I’m on the go, I fill up small stainless steel bottles with cleaners. Stainless steel resists corrosion and is very durable.
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Silicone bottles – If you’re worried about breakage, silicone makes a great reusable spray bottle option. Silicone is flexible, lightweight and easy to clean.
With reusable bottles, I never have to dispose of another plastic spray bottle again!
Reusable Mop Pads
Disposable mop pads and floor wipes also generate lots of unnecessary waste. Here are the reusable mop pads I’ve been using:
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Microfiber mop pads – These attach to the mop head and can be thrown in the wash after use.
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Cotton cloths – I also use strips of cotton fabric as reusable “floor wipes” for spot cleaning.
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Sponge mop pads – For some floors, I prefer a sponge mop pad, which can be wrung out and reused multiple times before needing a wash.
Reusable mop pads have worked great and by avoiding disposables I’m not sending pile after pile of dirty pads to the landfill.
Reusable Scrubbing Pads
For tougher scrubbing jobs, reusable scrubbing pads are a must:
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Silicone scrubbers – Silicone makes a great non-scratch scrubber for dishes and other surfaces. These can go right in the dishwasher after use.
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Plant-based scrub brushes – For porcelain sinks and tubs, I use a reusable scrub brush made from natural plant fibers with a sturdy handle.
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Chainmail scrubbers – Made from stainless steel rings, these chainmail scrubbers are practically indestructible and don’t harbor bacteria. They’re amazing for caked on grime.
Reusable pads eliminate the need for endless disposable scouring pads and sponges.
Reusable Lint Rollers
Adhesive lint rollers seem so handy until you realize how much waste they generate. I switched to reusable lint rollers and have never looked back:
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Microfiber rollers – These have a handle and roller head made from microfiber that attracts lint and pet hair. Just wash it when it gets full!
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Electric lint shavers – Battery powered lint shavers quickly remove fuzz and lint from clothing without sticky waste.
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Laundry lint brush – An old-fashioned lint brush gets the job done with zero waste.
With reusable options, I can remove lint and pet hair from my clothes without contributing to the landfill.
Reusable Food Storage Bags
To avoid single-use plastic waste, I store leftovers and food in reusable bags:
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Silicone bags – Silicone bags are flexible, durable, and waterproof. They fold down small for compact storage.
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Cotton muslin bags – These breathable cotton bags are ideal for produce storage. They also work for baking and freezing.
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Beeswax wrap – I use beeswax-coated fabric wraps to cover bowls, food prep areas, and snacks.
Reusable bags have completely eliminated the need for disposable plastic bags and wrap in my kitchen.
Reusable Paper Towel Alternatives
While I rely on microfiber cloths and rags for most cleaning, sometimes a paper towel is handy for other tasks like:
- Cleaning grates and greasy messes
- Absorbing spills
- Polishing mirrors and windows
Some reusable options I’ve found helpful:
- Cotton flour sack towels – These ultra-absorbent towels are great for sopping up big spills.
- Handkerchiefs – I always carry a handkerchief to use as a napkin and for little messes on the go.
- Cellulose sponge cloths – Made sustainably from plant fibers, these are great for polishing.
Conclusion
Switching to reusable options has significantly reduced the amount of waste I generate when cleaning my home. While the reusable products require a bit more upfront investment, they pay off in the long run by eliminating waste and saving money. I hope these ideas inspire you to make your cleaning routine more sustainable too! Let me know if you have any favorite reusable cleaning swaps of your own.
